Adjustable decorative surround for a fireplace

ABSTRACT

An adjustable surround for use with a fireplace. The surround includes first and second top members arranged end to end in a generally horizontal orientation to define a width of the surround. The first and second top members are movable relative to each other to alter the width of the surround. The surround also includes first and second side members that extend generally vertically on opposing sides of a combustion chamber enclosure of the fireplace, and first and second overlap members configured to be coupled to respective first and second side members. Relative movement between the first and second side members and respective first and second overlap member adjusts a height of the surround.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to decorative surrounds, andmore particularly relates to a decorative surround for a fireplace thatis adjustable in size.

2. Related Art

Decorative surrounds for use with a fireplace are commonly used toenhance the look and feel of a fireplace and also function to coverotherwise unsightly features of the fireplace such as fireplace vents orthe unfinished interface between the fireplace and the surrounding wallstructure. Such surrounds typically include one top member that extendshorizontally above the fireplace, and two side members that extendvertically along opposing sides of the fireplace. The horizontal andside members are often secured together as a single assembled piece thatis mounted to the wall structure surrounding the fireplace. In otherapplications, the separate members may be individually mounted to thewall structure surrounding the fireplace.

Known decorative fireplace surrounds are typically sized for a singleset of fireplace dimensions. For example, one surround may be sized fora fireplace having a width and height dimensions of 40×32 in., whileanother surround may be sized for a fireplace having dimensions of 44×36in. Since a different surround is required for each different fireplacesize, maintaining an inventory of fireplace surrounds for all customerneeds can be costly and require large amounts of space. Furthermore,fireplaces with unique, non-standard sizes may require a custom madesurround to properly fit the fireplace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to decorative surrounds for use with aheating source such as a fireplace. The surrounds are adjustable in sizeto fit a range of fireplace heights and widths. The surrounds may beadjustable in either or both of the width and height of the surroundusing a variety of different adjustment configurations. In general,surrounds of the present invention include at least one horizontalmember that extends across a top portion of a fireplace, and twovertical side member that extend along opposing sides of the fireplace.The height of the surround may be adjusted in several different ways.For example, the side members may be movable relative to the horizontalmember to adjust the height of the surround, or the surround may includeoverlap members coupled to the side members wherein movement of the sidemembers relative to the overlap members adjusts a height of thesurround. Further, sections of the side members may be interchangeablewith longer or shorter side member pieces to adjust the surround height.The width of the surround may also be adjusted in several ways. Forexample, the location along the horizontal member where the side membersare coupled to the horizontal member when the surround is assembled mayadjust the width of the surround. Further, the surround may include twohorizontal members, and relative movement of the two horizontal membersto each other adjusts the surround width. Another overlap member may beuseful for such a width adjustment configuration to cover the spacingbetween the separated horizontal members.

On aspect of the invention relates to an adjustable surround for usewith a fireplace that includes a first member having first and secondends, and a second member having first and second ends. The first andsecond members are oriented generally horizontally with the first endsfacing each other, and a distance between the second ends of the firstand second members defines a width of the surround. The first and secondmembers are movable relative to each other to vary the width of thesurround.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a width adjustment surroundfor a fireplace that includes first and second top members arranged endto end in a generally horizontal orientation and defining a width of thesurround. The first and second top members are movable relative to eachother to alter the width of the surround.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a height adjustmentsurround for a fireplace that includes first and second side membersthat extend generally vertically on opposing sides of a combustionchamber enclosure of the fireplace, and first and second overlap membersconfigured to be coupled to respective first and second side members.Relative movement between the first and second side members andrespective first and second overlap member adjusts a height of thesurround.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of adjusting a sizeof a decorative surround for a fireplace. The surround has a height anda width and includes a top member oriented generally horizontally andhaving a width in a vertical direction and a length in the horizontaldirection, and first and second side members extending generallyvertically and being coupled to the top member. The method includes thestep of moving the first and second side members across the width of thetop member to adjust the height of the surround.

Another method of the present invention relates to a method of adjustinga size of a decorative surround for a fireplace. The surround has awidth and includes first and second horizontal members that are orientedgenerally horizontally and are aligned end to end. The method includesthe step of moving the first and second horizontal members relative toeach other to adjust the width of the surround.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of adjusting a sizeof a decorative surround for a fireplace. The surround has a height andincludes first and second side members that extend generally verticallyalong opposing sides of a combustion chamber enclosure of the fireplace,and first and second overlap members coupled to the first and secondside members. The method includes the step of moving the first andsecond side members relative to respective first and second overlapmembers to adjust the height of the surround.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an adjustable sizedecorative surround for a fireplace that includes a top member orientedgenerally horizontally, and first and second side members extendinggenerally vertically. Vertical movement of the first and second sidemembers relative to the top member adjusts the size of the surround. Thesurround may further include overlap members that cover portions of thetop member and the first and second side members.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. Figures in the detailed description that follow moreparticularly exemplify embodiments of the invention. While certainembodiments will be illustrated and described, the invention is notlimited to use in such embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example surround for afireplace according to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the surround shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the surround shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the surround shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the surround shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the surround shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the surround shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an end view of one of the primary surround members shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the keystone shaped overlap membershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the keystone member shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the keystone member shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a bottom rear perspective view of the keystone member shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top rear perspective view of the keystone member shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a side overlap member shown inFIG. 1;

-   -   5 FIG. 15 is a top view of the side overlap member shown in FIG.        1;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the side overlap member shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a surround retaining bracket configured to besecured to one of the horizontal members shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the retaining bracket shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of wall mounting bracket configuredto support the surround retaining bracket shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the wall mounting bracket shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the wall mounting bracket shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the surround shown in FIG. 1being mounted to a wall structure surrounding a fireplace;

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of the surround shown in FIG. 1with a mantle shelf mounted on top of the surround;

FIG. 24 is a front view of another example surround for a fireplaceaccording to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a partial exploded perspective view of the horizontal andside members of the surround shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front view of another example surround for a fireplaceaccording to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the surround shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a front view of another example surround for a fireplaceaccording to principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the surround shown in FIG. 28.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternantforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention generally relates to decorative surrounds for usewith a heating source such as a fireplace. The surrounds are adjustablein size to fit a range of fireplace heights and widths. The surroundsmay be adjustable in either or both of the width and height of thesurround using a variety of different adjustment mechanisms andconfigurations. For example, the surround may include first and secondhorizontal members that are aligned end-to-end, and relative movementbetween the first and second horizontal members adjusts a width of thesurround. A separate overlap member may be used to cover the ends of thefirst and second horizontal members that are facing each other so as tocover the spacing between the horizontal members. The surround may alsoinclude first and second vertically oriented side members that extendalong opposing sides of a fireplace opening, and first and secondoverlap members coupled to respective first and second side members,wherein movement of the side members relative to the overlap membersadjust the height of the surround.

As used herein, the term “surround” means any exposed structural surfacethat covers a portion of the front surface of a fireplace and/or thewall structure surrounding the fireplace, and provides a transition fromthe combustible material surrounding the fireplace (such as, forexample, an interior wall) to the fireplace front surface. The“surround” may function as a door or similar structure that providesaccess to otherwise covered features of the fireplace. The “surround”may also function as a fireplace front that covers portions of thefireplace, for example, the fireplace viewing surface (e.g., glass),frame or louvers.

The phrase “viewing surface” is any surface through which at least aportion of an interior of a fireplace may be viewed. For example, aviewing surface may consist of a pane of translucent tempered or ceramicglass or high-temperature plastic positioned to cover at least a portionof an opening into the combustion chamber enclosure of a fireplace. Thephrase “combustion chamber enclosure” may include any enclosure in whichflames and/or heat are generated or simulated. The term “fastener”includes, for example, magnets, clamps, brackets, bolts, screws, andsimilar structures that secure together two or more members. The term“horizontal orientation” or a similar term as used with reference toorienting a device or structure is defined as aligning the longer sideor length of the device or structure along a generally horizontal planeor axis. The term “vertical orientation” or a similar term as used withreference to orienting a device or structure is defined as aligning thelonger side or length of the device or structure along a generallyvertical plane or axis.

In general, reference to the height and width of the surround refers tothe size of an inner opening defined by the surround that is intended tobe aligned along the top and opposing sides of the fireplace. Typically,the height and width defined by the outer periphery of the surround haslittle relevance to proper sizing of the surround for a given fireplace.Although the surrounds shown in the figures of the application may bewell suited for use with a fireplace, the principles of the inventionmay be applicable to surrounds for other heat generating units such asstoves or furnaces.

An example fireplace surround assembly 10 is shown and described withreference to FIGS. 1-21. Surround assembly 10 includes first and secondhorizontal members 12, 14, first and second side members 16, 18, first,second and third overlap members 20, 22, 24, first and second retainingbrackets 26, 28, and a wall mounting bracket 30. The surround assembly10 defines an inner opening 32 having a width W1 and a height H1 (seeFIG. 3).

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, the first and second horizontal memberseach include first and second ends 40, 42, a front face 44, a top side46, and a bottom side 48. The first and second horizontal members 12, 14are aligned generally horizontally with the first ends 40 facing eachother. Relative horizontal movement between the first ends 40 adjuststhe width W1 of surround assembly 10. The first overlap member 20(described in further detail below) may be used to cover the spacingbetween the first ends 40 to provide an aesthetically pleasing look. Amaximum width adjustment of surround assembly 10, which is defined bythe spacing between first ends 40, is defined to be no greater than thesmallest width W4 (see FIG. 11) of the first overlap member 20. In oneembodiment, the range of width adjustment for surround assembly 10 isabout 4 to 18 inches, and more preferably about 5 to 12 inches, with apreferred width adjustment of about 7 inches. Other embodiments may haveany number of different width adjustment ranges for any range offireplace sizes.

The first and second side members 16, 18 include first and second ends60, 62, a front face 64, an outer side 66, and an inner side 68. Thefirst ends 60 are oriented generally downward facing and the second ends62 are coupled to the second ends 42 of the first and second horizontalmembers 12, 14. The relative spacing between the inner sides 68 withininner opening 15 defines the width W1. In the example surround assembly10 shown in FIGS. 1-21, the range of maximum to minimum width W1 isabout 37 to about 45 inches.

The first and second horizontal members 12, 14 and first and second sidemembers 16, 18 may have the same design (e.g., shown in FIG. 16), or mayhave different designs in different embodiments. Likewise, the members12, 14, 16, 18 may be sized and shaped differently than shown in FIGS.1-16 while providing the same or similar functions and advantagesdescribed herein.

The first and second side members 16, 18 may be coupled to the first andsecond horizontal members in a variety of different ways. For example,the side and horizontal members may be secured together with fastenerspreferably at a back side of the fireplace surround to avoid viewing atthe front surface. Depending on the materials of surround assembly 10,the side and horizontal members may be welded or secured together withadhesives, or they may be molded together as a single piece or molded asseparate pieces using a moldable material such as a ceramic or otherheat-resistant fiber with a binder that is compression or vacuum moldedor caste. The overlap members of surround assembly 10 may likewise bemolded from a moldable material. The use of ceramic molded materials ina fireplace surround is discussed in further detail in U.S. PublishedPatent Application No. 2003-0049575-A1 filed on Feb. 8, 2001 andentitled COMPRESSION MOLDED INORGANIC FIBER ARTICLES, AND METHODS ANDCOMPOSITION USED IN MOLDING SAME, which application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Surfaces of the surround assembly 10 may be painted or stained to matchthe surrounding decor of the room or fireplace structure. Staining aceramic molded material typically provides a marbleized look. Featuresof surround assembly 10 can also be manipulated in other ways. Forexample, patterns, designs, initials, or other decorative modificationscan be made to the side, horizontal and overlap members of surroundassembly 10 prior to or after installation. Functional modifications canalso be made. For example, holes or openings can be created in the side,horizontal and overlap members of surround assembly 10 to allow for airpassage around the fireplace.

Referring to FIG. 22, coupling of the surround assembly 10 to a frontpanel 3 of a fireplace 2 can cover any gaps (e.g., gap 6) between anexisting structure 7 (e.g., a wall or masonry) and the fireplace 2. Inother embodiments, surround assembly 10 can been sized to fit within anopening in a structure 7 defined by an edge 8 surrounding the fireplace.In still further embodiments, surround assembly 10 may be positionedover a vent 4 of an air plenum system of the fireplace 2 in someembodiments. Holes or openings formed in the surround assembly 10 maypermit air passage out of the air plenum system.

The height H1 of the inner opening 15 is defined by the distance frombottom side 48 of the first and second horizontal members 12, 14 to afloor structure in front of the fireplace. In some embodiments, thesurround assembly includes a separate horizontal cross member (notshown) that extends between side members 16, 18 near the bottom of thefireplace. When such a separate horizontal cross member is present, theheight of the inner opening may be defined by the distance between thebottom side 48 of the first and second horizontal members 12, 14 and atop side of the separate horizontal member.

In one embodiment, the range of height adjustment for surround assembly10 is about 2 to 8 inches, and more preferably about 4 to 6 inches, witha preferred width adjustment of about 6 inches. In the example surroundassembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-21, the range of maximum to minimum heightH1 is about 30 to about 36 inches. Other embodiments may have any numberof different height adjustment ranges for any range of fireplace sizes.

The front faces 44 and 64 of the horizontal and side members 12, 14, 16,18 may include a decorative design having a cross-section as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. The design pattern shown in FIGS. 1-8 is just one of anynumber of designs that could be formed in the horizontal and sidemembers. One possible advantage of using a molding process to form thehorizontal and side members of surround assembly 10 is that ornate andcomplex designs may be molded into the surround at a relatively low costas compared to using traditional materials and methods of forming suchdesigns.

Referring now to FIG. 9-13, the first overlap member 20 includes firstand second sides 80, 82, top and bottom sides 84, 86, an inner contouredor track surface 88, a front face 90, and a minimum width W4 (see FIG.11). First overlap member 20 defines a “keystone” style configuration inwhich an upper portion of the overlap member has a greater width than alower portion (where W4 is measured). Further, as shown in FIG. 10, thefront face 64 is slanted between the top and bottom sides 84, 86 fromthe front towards the back of the overlap member 20. Although firstoverlap member 20 has a specific design with certain slanted surfacesand varying widths, other embodiments may include a first overlap memberwith a more simple design such as a square or rectangular shape, or mayinclude a more ornate and complex design than the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-13.

The inner contoured surfaces 88 of first and second sides 80, 82 matchat least the contours formed in the front face 44 of the first andsecond horizontal members 12, 14. Matching of the contoured surfaces 88with the contours of front faces 44 provide a seamless appearance andease of movement between the overlap member 20 and the first and secondhorizontal members 12, 44 (shown in FIG. 1), while improving the abilityof the members 12, 14, 20 to maintain engagement with each other eventhough relative movement is possible between members 12, 14, 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, the second and third overlap members 22,24 include inner and outer sides 100, 102, top and bottom sides 104,106, inner contoured or track surfaces 108, and a front face 110. Thebottom side 106 is typically aligned adjacent a floor structure in frontof the fireplace. Preferably, the bottom side 106 contacts the floorstructure to give the appearance that the second and third overlapmembers support the weight of the remaining features of the surroundassembly 10. The top side 104 is adjacent the second end 60 of the firstand second side members 16, 18. The inner contoured surfaces 108 matchthe contours of the front face 64 of the first and second side members16, 18, thereby providing a seamless appearance between the side members16, 18 and the second and third overlap members 22, 24.

Although the second and third overlap members 22, 24 have a relativelysimple design and appearance, these overlap members may includealternative designs that are more simple or more ornate and complex thanthose shown in FIG. 14-16.

The first, second and third overlap members 20, 22, 24 may be made ofany material suitable for use around a fireplace, such as, for example,wood, metal, composites, or a moldable material such as a ceramic orother heat-resistant fiber and a binder that is compression or vacuummolded as discussed above. Furthermore, the first, second and thirdoverlap members 20, 22, 24 may include retaining features such as a snapfit connection, a bracket, a latch, or a fastener that temporarily orpermanently secures the overlap member to the respective horizontal orside member 12, 14, 16, 18 once the surround assembly has been adjustedinto its final width and height.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 17 and 18, first and second retaining brackets26, 28 include a surround mount portion 120 and a wall engagementportion 122. The surround mount portion 120 is secured to the first andsecond horizontal members 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 7. The wall engagementportion 122 extends outwardly away from the first and second horizontalmembers to engage the wall mounting bracket 30 or other structure thatis coupled to the front surface of the fireplace or the wall structureadjacent the fireplace.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, an example wall mounting bracket 30 isshown including a wall mount portion 130 and a surround engagementportion 132. The wall mount portion 130 is configured to engage and besecured to the front surface 3 of the fireplace 2 or the wall structure7 adjacent to the fireplace 2, and the surround engagement portion 132extends outward and upward from the wall structure to engage the wallengagement portion 122 of the first and second retaining brackets 26,28. Thus, when the surround assembly 10 is completely assembled and theretaining brackets 26, 28 are engaging the wall mounting bracket 30, thesurround assembly 10 hangs on the wall. As a result, the weight of thesurround assembly 10 is not supported on the floor structure in front ofthe fireplace and the second and third overlap members 22, 24 carrylittle to no weight of the surround assembly components. In otherembodiments, the weight of the surround assembly 10 may be supported onthe floor structure via the side members 16, 18 or the overlap members22, 24. If the surround assembly is supported by the floor structure,the retaining brackets 26, 28, 30 may be used to hold the surroundassembly 10 against the wall structure 7 or may carry little to noweight of the surround assembly 10.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a separate mantle shelf 2 may be mounted tothe top side 46 of the first and second horizontal members 12, 14 toprovide an enhanced mantle appearance for the surround assembly 10. Thedesign of mantle shelf 2 shown in FIG. 23 is merely exemplary. Othermantle embodiments may include, for example, a combined overlap memberand mantle structure as a single piece (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, an alternative fireplace surroundassembly 200 is shown including a first horizontal member 212, and firstand second side members 216, 218 that define an opening having a widthW2 and a height H2 sized for a fireplace 210. The first horizontalmember includes first, second and third engagement recesses 202, 204,206 and the first and second side members 216, 218 include an engagementmember 208. Adjusting the engagement member 208 into differentengagement recesses 202, 204, 206 adjusts the width W2 of the surround200. With the configuration shown in FIG. 25, the horizontal member 212may have predetermined fixed positions into which the first and secondside members 216, 218 are adjustable to vary the width of the surroundassembly. Different embodiments may include fewer or more engagementrecesses and different engagement member designs while adhering toprinciples illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, another example fireplace surroundassembly 300 is shown including first and second horizontal members 312,314, first and second side members 316, 318, a first overlap member 320,and engagement member 308, and first, second and third engagementrecesses 302, 304, 306. The horizontal and side members 312, 314, 316,318 define an inner opening having a width W3 and a height H3 that areadjustable. The first and second horizontal members 312, 314 may bemovable relative to each other similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-16 within a range of relative movement defined by a minimum width W5of the first overlap member 320.

A height of the surround assembly 300 may be adjusted by moving the sidemembers 316, 318 relative to the horizontal members 312, 314. Securingthe side members in a fixed position relative to the horizontal membersmay be accomplished using any number of fastening and attachmentmechanisms such as the engagement member 308 and engagement recesses302, 304, 306 shown in FIG. 26. The engagement member 308 may besupported by brackets 330, 332 and extend through one of the recesses302, 304, 306 of the side members 316, 318. A range of height adjustmentof height H3 may be defined by a height H5 of the first and secondhorizontal members 312, 314 and the position and number of recesses 302,304, 306.

Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, another example fireplace surroundassembly 400 is shown including a horizontal members 412, first andsecond side members 416, 418, first and second overlap members 420, 422,and a mounting bracket 428. The horizontal and side members 412, 416,418 define an inner opening having a width W4 and a height H4 that areadjustable. The horizontal member 412 may be movable relative to thefirst and second overlap members 420, 422 to adjust the width W4 withina range of relative movement defined by at least a portion of thecombined widths W6 of the first and second overlap members 420, 422. Theside members 416, 418 may be movable relative to the first and secondoverlap members 420, 422 to adjust the height H4 within a range ofrelative movement defined by at least a portion of the height H6 of thefirst and second overlap members 420, 422.

The adjustment features of FIGS. 1-29 may be used alone or incombination with each other or other adjustment features suitable foradjusting a height and width of the surround inner opening.

The example decorative surrounds described above and shown in FIG. 1-29may also include at least one line of perforated markings (not shown) atends of the top horizontal members and the vertical side members. Theseperforated markings may be used to reduce the length of the top or sidemembers by a predetermined amount defined by the position of theperforations. Such perforations may be formed in a rear facing surfaceof the member so as to be hidden from view when the surround is properlymounted. Removing some of the length of the top and side members mayincrease the range of adjustment sizes of the surround.

A method of adjusting a size of a decorative surround for a fireplacemay relate to an adjustable surround that defines an opening having aheight and a width. The surround includes first and second horizontalmembers arranged generally horizontally end-to-end, first and secondside members extending generally vertically and being coupled torespective first and second horizontal members, and first and secondoverlap members coupled to the first and second side members. The methodmay include the steps of moving the first and second horizontal membersrelative to each other to adjust the width of the surround, and movingthe first and second side members relative to respective first andsecond overlap members to adjust the height of the surround.

Another method of adjusting a size of a decorative surround for afireplace relates to an adjustable surround having a height and a width,and including first and second side members extending generallyvertically along opposing sides of a combustion chamber enclosure of thefireplace, and first and second overlap members coupled to the first andsecond side members. The method includes the step of moving the firstand second side members relative to respective first and second overlapmembers to adjust the height of the surround. The adjustable surroundmay also include a top member the extends generally horizontally, andthe method may further include the step of moving the top memberrelative to the first and second overlap members to adjust the width ofthe surround.

The above described methods may further include the step of mounting theadjustable surround to a fireplace or a wall structure adjacent afireplace. The mounting step may occur before or after the moving stepsrequired to adjust the height and width of the surround. The methods mayfurther include the step of fixing the positions of the side andhorizontal (top) members relative to each other either before or afterthe mounting step.

The present invention should not be considered limited to the particularexamples or materials described above, but rather should be understoodto cover all aspecta of the invention as fairly set out in the attachedclaims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

1. An adjustable surround for use with a fireplace, the surroundcomprising: a first member having first and second ends; and a secondmember having first and second ends, the first and second members beingoriented generally horizontally in alignment with the first ends facingeach other, a distance between the second ends of the first and secondmembers defining a width of the surround; wherein the first and secondmembers are movable relative to each other to vary the width of thesurround.
 2. The surround of claim 1, further comprising a first overlapmember configured to cover a spacing between the first ends of the firstand second members.
 3. The surround of claim 2, wherein the firstoverlap member has a width and a maximum spacing between the first endsof the first and second members is no greater than the width of thefirst overlap member.
 4. The surround of claim 1, further comprisingfirst and second side members extending generally vertically from thesecond ends of respective first and second horizontal members.
 5. Thesurround of claim 4, wherein the first and second side members eachinclude first and second ends and a length, the second ends of the firstand second side members being coupled to the second end of respectivefirst and second members, the length of the first and second sidemembers defining a portion of a height of the surround.
 6. The surroundof claim 4, further comprising second and third overlap members coupledto respective first and second side members, and relative movementbetween the second and third overlap members and respective first andsecond side members adjusts a height of the surround.
 7. The surround ofclaim 1, further comprising a retaining bracket configured for mountingthe surround to an exterior portion of the fireplace or a wall structureadjacent tot eh fireplace, wherein the retaining bracket supports thefirst and second members in predetermined positions relative to eachother.
 8. The surround of claim 7, wherein the retaining bracketincludes first and second retaining members configured to supportrespective first and second members.
 9. The surround of claim 2, whereinthe first overlap member includes a keystone shape.
 10. The surround ofclaim 2, wherein the first overlap member includes a front decorativesurface and a rear surface, the rear surface including a track structureconfigured to engage a front decorative surface of the first and secondmembers to couple the first overlap member to the first and secondhorizontal members.
 11. The surround of claim 6, wherein the second andthird overlap members each include a front decorative surface and a rearsurface, the rear surface including a track structure configured toengage a front decorative surface of respective first and second sidemembers to couple the second and third overlap member to respectivefirst and second side members.
 12. The surround of claim 6, wherein thesecond and third overlap members are coupled to the first ends ofrespective first and second side members.
 13. The surround of claim 1,wherein the first and second members are oriented generallyhorizontally.
 14. The surround of claim 6, wherein the second and thirdoverlap members are coupled respectively to the second ends of the firstand second members and to the first ends of the first and second sidemembers.
 15. A width adjustment surround for a fireplace, the surroundcomprising: first and second top members arranged end to end in agenerally horizontal orientation and defining a width of the surround,wherein the first and second top members are movable relative to eachother to alter the width of the surround.
 16. The surround of claim 15,wherein the first and second top members each include a first end, thefirst ends facing each other, and movement of the first and second topmembers adjusts a spacing between the first ends.
 17. The surround ofclaim 16, further comprising a first overlap member configured tooverlap the first ends of the first and second top members to cover thespacing between the first ends.
 18. A height adjustment surround for afireplace, the surround comprising: first and second side membersextending generally vertically on opposing sides of a combustion chamberenclosure of the fireplace; and first and second overlap membersconfigured to be coupled to respective first and second side members;wherein relative movement between the first and second side members andrespective first and second overlap member adjusts a height of thesurround.
 19. The surround of claim 18, wherein the first and secondside members include first ends oriented generally downward facing, andthe first and second overlap members are configured to be coupled to thefirst end of respective first and second side members.
 20. A method ofadjusting a size of a decorative surround for a fireplace, the surroundhaving a height, a width, a top member oriented generally horizontallyand having a width in a vertical direction and a length in thehorizontal direct, and first and second side members extending generallyvertically and being coupled to the top member, the method comprisingthe step of moving the first and second side members across the width ofthe top member to adjust the height of the surround.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising the step of moving the first and secondside members along a length of the top member to adjust a width of thesurround.
 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step ofmounting the surround to an exterior portion of the fireplace or a wallstructure adjacent the fireplace with a retaining bracket.
 23. Themethod of claim 20, wherein the surround further includes first andsecond overlap members configured to overlap respective first and secondends of the top member and first ends of the side members.
 24. A methodof adjusting a size of a decorative surround for a fireplace, thesurround having a width and including first and second horizontalmembers oriented generally horizontally and being aligned end to end,the method comprising the step of moving the first and second horizontalmembers relative to each other to adjust the width of the surround. 25.The method of claim 24, wherein the surround further includes an overlapmember having a width and being configured to overlap ends of the firstand second horizontal members that are facing each other, and the movingstep includes moving the first and second horizontal members relative toeach other within the width of the overlap member.
 26. A method ofadjusting a size of a decorative surround for a fireplace, the surroundhaving a height and including first and second side members extendinggenerally vertically along opposing sides of a combustion chamberenclosure of the fireplace, and including first and second overlapmembers coupled to the first and second side members, the methodcomprising the step of moving the first and second side members relativeto respective first and second overlap members to adjust the height ofthe surround.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first and secondside members include first and second ends, the first ends beingoriented in a vertically downward facing direction, the method furthercomprising the step of coupling the first and second overlap members tothe first ends of respective first and second side members.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the first and second side members includefirst and second ends, the second ends facing upward, and the surroundfurther including a top member extending between the first and secondside members, the method further comprising the step of coupling thefirst and second overlap members to the second ends of respective firstand second side members and to opposing ends of the top member.
 29. Anadjustable size decorative surround for a fireplace, the surroundcomprising: a top member oriented generally horizontally; first andsecond side members oriented generally vertically; wherein verticalmovement of the first and second side members relative to the top memberadjusts the size of the surround.
 30. The surround of claim 29, whereinthe surround includes a height, and relative movement between the topmember and the first and second side members adjust the height of thesurround.
 31. The surround of claim 29, wherein the surround includes awidth, and relative movement between the top member and the first andsecond side members adjust the width of the surround.
 32. The surroundof claim 29, wherein the surround further includes first and secondoverlap members configured to cover an intersecting point between thetop member and respective first and second side members.
 33. Thesurround of claim 1, further comprising a mantle shelf configured formounting on top of the top member.